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Ruaha National Park Safaris
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Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park covers over 20,000km² and offers a wide range of habitats. Located near the centre of Tanzania, this remote park is an excellent choice to combine with the Selous Game Reserve and Mahale National Park for a diverse safari experience.
The park lies between the Ruaha River in the east and the Mzombe River in the west. This area features a variety of landscapes, including rocky outcrops, rolling hills, grassy plains with baobab trees, and dry riverbeds. Ruaha is part of Tanzania‘s Southern Safari Circuit, offering a quieter alternative to the well-known Northern Circuit, which includes the Serengeti. Despite being less famous, Ruaha is quickly becoming recognised as a top safari destination.
Visitors are drawn to Ruaha’s untouched wilderness, which remains peaceful and less crowded compared to the busier parks in the north.
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Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park offers a wild and rugged landscape with stunning scenery and amazing wildlife. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from July to November. During this period, vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot animals. Wildlife gathers around the Great Ruaha, Mwagusi, and Jongomero Rivers to find water. A highlight is watching elephants dig for water in dry sand rivers using their feet and trunks.
From December to April, the park transforms into a lush, green paradise with flowing rivers. This is the perfect time for bird enthusiasts, as Ruaha is home to around 571 bird species, offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities.
The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebra, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs. Ruaha is the only park in Tanzania where you can see Greater Kudu. Its large buffalo population often draws prides of lions, sometimes numbering up to 20, creating exciting wildlife interactions.
Ruaha offers a quieter and wilder safari experience compared to the more popular parks in the north. Away from the main tourist routes, it provides a peaceful and untouched environment, making it ideal for those looking for an exclusive and adventurous safari.